FDNY Firefighter Drowns Trying To Save Daughter From NJ Rip Current

NEW YORK CITY — An FDNY firefighter drowned while trying to save his daughter from a rip current along the Jersey Shore, according to officials and reports.

Firefighter Mark Batista died last week, fire officials confirmed in a tweet. His daughter reportedly survived, but was hospitalized.

"We are heartbroken to learn about the death of Firefighter Mark Batista, who died Friday while swimming at the Jersey Shore," the tweet states.

We are heartbroken to learn about the death of Firefighter Mark Batista, who died Friday while swimming at the Jersey Shore. FF Batista was a dedicated public servant who spent 15 years serving in the FDNY, as both an EMT and firefighter. We join his family in mourning. pic.twitter.com/hGQhYSjgYi
— FDNY (@FDNY) June 11, 2023

The harrowing rescue began about 8 a.m. when Batista's teenage daughter began to struggle in rough water off the beach in Avon-by-the-Sea, according to News 12 New Jersey.

Batista, who was on the beach, saw her struggle and jumped into the water. He ended up getting caught in a rip current, the New York Post reported.

His daughter was saved by a rescue team and taken to a hospital, where she's expected to recover, the Post reported. Batista's body was found about 10 a.m. in the water, according to the report.

Related coverage:

• Father Drowns Trying To Save Daughter At Avon-By-The-Sea: Reports
• NJ Dad Who Drowned Trying To Save Daughter Was NYC Firefighter